Feds charge 37 in sweeping West Michigan marijuana probe

GRAND RAPIDS – A federal indictment alleges that more than three dozen West Michigan residents used the state's medical marijuana law as a ruse to grow thousands of marijuana plants, netting at least $1 million in illegal profits.

Calling themselves the Medical Marijuana Team, the 37 participants grew pot in Kent, Muskegon, Ottawa and Oceana counties under the protection of Michigan's medical marijuana law, the government alleges.

"The conspirators were not attempting to alleviate the suffering of patients. It was sold for profit to other individuals,'' the indictment says. "No records were kept of the amount of marijuana produced, sold or profit made from the illegal sale of the marijuana.''

Those involved – including five married couples – bought and sold marijuana, hashish, marijuana wax and other marijuana-related products. Many even wore clothing bearing the group's distinctive logo, while others had tattoos of the logo on their bodies, the government says.

They sold supplies at two 'grow stores,' - Plant Paradise and In Do Grow, and had a network of members consisting of medical marijuana patients, caregivers or both.

At the helm of the Medical Marijuana Team is Shawn and Molly Taylor of New Era, who had grow operations in Montague and New Era. They provided the wherewithal and cash for members running growing operations, the government alleges.

Several other homes, mostly in Muskegon County, were used to grow marijuana. The government is also going after at least $1 million in proceeds it says the group earned. It has already seized more than $78,000 during raids in October.

Forfeiture proceedings are underway against 11 homes and lots owned by those charged in the indictment. The indictment, filed April 15, mirrors one the government filed in October against 27 people. Charges were dropped so investigators could cast a wider net.